Flood Zones and Terms

Definitions of Flood Zones and related terms are provided below.

Information regarding flood recurrence intervals and the relationship to storm events can be found at the United States Geological Survey (USGS) website.

Base Flood: The flood having a 1% chance of being equaled or exceeded in any given year, also known as the "100-year" or "1% chance" flood. The base flood is a statistical concept used to ensure that all properties subject to the National Flood Insurance Program are protected to the same degree against flooding.

‘Shaded’ Zone X: Area of moderate flood hazard usually depicted on FIRMs as between the limits of the base and 500-year floods of the primary source of flooding.

Flood Hazard Information Assistance

Austell Public Works Stormwater Management provides Flood Insurance Rate Map determinations to let you know if you are in a flood hazard area. Approximate maps of the regulated floodplain are available on the Georgia DFIRM flood map viewer website. You may also create and print a FIRMette at the FEMA Map Service Center website. For additional information, you may contact the Austell Public Works Stormwater Management division at (770) 944-4325 or by e-mail to publicworks@austellga.gov.